The Edo State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has condemned the abduction of the state chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Tony Aziegbemi.

In a statement by its acting chairman, Jarret Tenabe, APC attributed the development to the lack of strong security architecture in the state.

“This kidnap is one kidnap too many in the state  which signposts an overt reminder and wake-up call on Governor Obaseki-led administration in the state that all is not well, in terms of securing the state, which is the primary responsibility of the government,” it said.

The party added, “That the chairman of the party of a sitting governor can be kidnapped, is a testament to the very porous, ill-equipped, ill-motivated security machinery in the state in spite of the humongous security vote being collected by Governor Obaseki on a monthly basis.”

APC called on the state security agencies to leave no stone unturned in the quest to ensure his release unhurt. 

Meanwhile, the state government says it has stepped up surveillance and was collaborating with security agencies for the safe release of Mr Aziegbemi.

The state Commissioner for Communication and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, disclosed this in a statement in Benin, the state capital, on Saturday.

Mr Aziegbemi was kidnapped close to his GRA residence on Friday night while returning from a meeting with Governor Godwin Obaseki at the Government House.

“We have also increased surveillance and beefed-up security measures across the state to ensure that these criminal activities are quelled and culprits are brought to justice,” said Mr Nehikhare.

Mr Nehikhare reassured the public of the government’s commitment to protecting the lives and property of Edo residents.

He said the government would spare no resource in ensuring the perpetrators were apprehended and made to face the full wrath of the law.

Similarly, the police command in Edo said its operatives were collaborating with the local security network to rescue the victim unhurt.

The command in a statement by its public relations officer, SP Chidi Nwabuzor, said the state Commissioner of Police (CP), Funsho Adegboye, received the report of the incident with shock.

Mr Nwabuzor, however, noted that the CP immediately gave a marching order to the tactical team leaders to conduct a rescue party in collaboration with local vigilance groups and hunters.

The command’s spokesman said the CP solicited the cooperation of Edo citizens, urging them to give information that could lead to the arrest of the perpetrators and the rescue of the victim.

(NAN)